Debt free calculator.
See your exact debt-free date. Compare snowball vs. avalanche. Find out how much interest you'll save — and start the climb out.
This is money you can throw at debt beyond what your minimums require. Even $100 extra dramatically changes your timeline.
The snowball method pays off your smallest balance first. Each victory frees up more money to attack the next debt. Slower mathematically, but most people actually finish.
1. Make minimum payments on every debt listed above.
2. Send an extra $200/month to your priority debt: Credit Card.
3. When that debt hits $0, roll its minimum payment into the next debt on your list.
4. Repeat until everything is paid off — projected for December 2033.
Common questions
What is the debt snowball method?
The snowball method, popularized by Dave Ramsey, pays off your smallest debt first regardless of interest rate. Once that's eliminated, you 'roll' that payment into your next smallest debt, creating momentum. It's psychologically motivating because you see wins fast — but mathematically, it costs more in total interest than the avalanche method.
What is the debt avalanche method?
The avalanche method pays off your highest-interest debt first, then works down. It saves the most money in total interest paid and gets you debt-free faster. The downside: if your highest-rate debt also has the biggest balance, it can feel like you're not making progress for months.
Which is better — snowball or avalanche?
Avalanche saves more money, but snowball is what people actually stick with. Studies (including a Northwestern Kellogg study) show people are more likely to stay debt-free with the snowball method because the early wins build motivation. If the math difference is small (under $1,000 in interest), snowball wins. If it's substantial, avalanche pays off — literally.
Should I consolidate my debt instead?
Consolidation makes sense when you can get a lower combined interest rate than what you're paying now. A personal loan at 9% can replace credit card debt at 22% and save thousands. It also simplifies things into one monthly payment. The catch: it doesn't fix the spending habits that created the debt — many people consolidate, then rack up new credit card debt on top.
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses standard amortization math (the same formulas your lenders use), assumes you pay exactly on schedule, and assumes interest rates don't change. Real life is messier — your actual payoff date will depend on whether you make extra payments, miss months, or refinance. Use this as a planning tool, not a guarantee.